Concrete Approximations: In Pursuit of Absolute Space

Concrete is a contentious material, but it remains relevant to the architectural discipline and its history. Liquid Pressure, one of its most vigorous properties, is explored in this book through two key projects that demonstrate a shift from an early preoccupation with material responsiveness to one that additionally addresses concepts of spatiality and its relation to augmented materiality.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 25 October 2023
Publisher: Oro Editions

Concrete, a ubiquitous yet contentious material, has left an indelible mark on architectural practices across various fields. Despite its widespread use, it has faced cultural, environmental, and political challenges. However, the architecture it produces remains relevant to the discipline and its history. Over time, concrete has been subjected to normalization, misuse, and abuse by various stakeholders, leading to the untapped potential of some of its material attributes.

One of concrete's most remarkable properties is its liquid pressure, which is constantly in motion and difficult to contain. While concrete's active forces are powerful, their direction can be influenced and redirected by its counterpart, known as formwork or false work in the building industry. This book delves into the dynamic relationship between concrete and formwork, exploring how they can be used to create new spatial organizations.

To experiment with concrete is to engage in an irreversible dance with its live properties. The concrete reacts to the formwork's materials, shaping and transforming the final structure. In this book, two key projects are presented, showcasing a shift in the author's work from an early focus on material responsiveness to one that also addresses concepts of spatiality and its relationship to the proposed idea of augmented materiality.

Through these projects, the author demonstrates how concrete and formwork can be used to create spaces that are both functional and visually stunning. The use of innovative techniques and materials allows for the exploration of new forms and configurations, pushing the boundaries of what is possible with this versatile material.

Concrete and formwork are not just tools for construction; they are live catalysts that enable the exploration of new spatial possibilities. By engaging with their dynamic properties, architects can create buildings that are not only functional but also expressive of the cultural and environmental context in which they are built.

In conclusion, this book offers a fresh perspective on concrete and formwork, highlighting their potential for creating innovative and sustainable architectural spaces. By exploring the dynamic relationship between these two materials, architects can push the boundaries of what is possible with concrete and shape the future of architectural design.

Dimension: 240 x 180 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781957183534